Product Description

User Reviews

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Submitted by
krelldiva
a AudioPhile

Date Reviewed: January 23, 2011

Bottom Line:

I have been an audiophile and musician for many years. I play in a local orchestra on a bi-weekly basis and satisfy my musical needs in between with my home audio system. I purchased my first home audio system (with audiophile intentions) back in 1988. I now have a modified Krell KSA250 Amplifier, Marantz 8001 SACD/CD player and Legacy Focus speakers. I use Cardas Clear cabling. I have arrived at this combination for very specific reasons. To me, it sounds like live music. My search for a preamplifier has been far more difficult however and for this reason I wish to share my experieces. I have gone with Krell, Audio Research, Audible Illusions, Fi. I have gone passive with Mod Squad, Placette, Reference Line, First Sound, EVS. All of these were good, none stellar, some better than others. I want an open, detailed, dynamic, extended, transparent, uncolored unimpeded window into the event. The passive units came closest. I then stumbled onto the Premiere VC-1. These are built by a kind man in Charles City, Iowa. They are nicely made (black metal (I think aluminum?) case with silver knobs with numbers. The volume controls for the left and right channels are separate, but the numbers on the knobs make this easier. It has only a single set of inputs and a single set of outputs. I don't know what they do with this or how or why, but this offers what I have looked for; for so long. I compare it to plugging in directly and the difference is virtually zero. I cannot say that about anything else I have tried. When listening to my good recordings I feel as if I am viewing/hearing a masterpiece painted with a fine brush and whisps of detail with openess, dynamics and space. It is accurate, so my poor recordings sound poor. The great recordings excite me. They elate me. I feel inspired to play due to the performances on my system. This Premiere VC-1 has made all the difference. It is very well made, very reasonably priced and performs like nothing is there. I cannot offer higher praise. The keys to success with this unit? A really good front end and reasonably efficient speakers along with an amplifier with enough gain. Pretty simple really. I am not thinking about equipment now. I am rediscovering my CD's and SACD's. With this unit I sit in my chair and at times I am startled, at times I smile, at times I cry, at times I get chills. This is real. Thank you for letting me share on this quality forum. -Michelle